General information on the interface between intellectual property (IP) and traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), and genetic resources (GRs). It briefly addresses the most important questions that arise when considering the role that IP principles and systems can play in protecting TK and TCEs from misappropriation, and in generating and equitably sharing benefits from their commercialization, and the role of IP in access to and benefit sharing in GRs.

General information on the interface between intellectual property (IP) and traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), and genetic resources (GRs). It briefly addresses the most important questions that arise when considering the role that IP principles and systems can play in protecting TK and TCEs from misappropriation, and in generating and equitably sharing benefits from their commercialization, and the role of IP in access to and benefit sharing in GRs.

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Certain images used in this publication have been obtained from commercially available databases to which WIPO subscribes.Disclaimer: This publication does not necessarily represent the views of WIPO or any of its Member States. This publication is not a substitute for legal advice. Its purpose is limited to providing basic information.Cover Images:Medicinal plant, Bhutan/Fei JiaoPhotographer documenting cultural heritage, Jamaica/Brigitte Vézina Traditional Jewelry, Oman/Brigitte VézinaZambian dancers/Wend Wendland